SB 07-68 A Healthy CAP? The Health Check of the Common Agricultural Policy (142 KB pdf)

Major changes to the EU Common Agricultural Policy were made in 2003. The agreement on the reform provided for a review in 2008, which has become known as the CAP ‘Health Check’. The European Commission published its proposals for the CAP Health Check on the 20 November 2007.

SB 07-67 The Allocation of Social Rented Housing (115 KB pdf)

This briefing provides information on how houses in the social rented sector are allocated. It covers the legislative framework, housing allocation policies in practice, choice based lettings and common housing registers.

SB 07-66 Scottish Ministers' Power to Call-in Planning Applications (67.3 KB pdf)

Scottish Ministers’ recent decision to call-in an application for the development of a golf resort and housing near Balmedie for their decision has focussed attention on the call-in process.  This short briefing aims to answer some of the key questions raised about the operation of the call-in process.

SB 07-65 Public Health etc. (Scotland) Bill (257 KB pdf)

On 25 October 2007, the Scottish Government introduced the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament. The Bill aims to modernise the legislative framework governing the practice of health protection as, at present, much of the statute dates back to the late 19th century.

SB 07-64 Spending Review 2007: Health (160 KB pdf)

This briefing will consider the Health element of the Health and Wellbeing portfolio in the Scottish Government’s ‘Budget Spending Review 2007’. As well as detailing the Health budget and proposed spend between 2008-09 and 2010-11, the briefing will also describe the main health priorities for the Scottish Government, the particular programmes outlined in the budget document and the health targets it has set to monitor its outcome objectives.

SB 07-63 UK Climate Change Bill - Legislative Consent Memorandum (136 KB pdf)

The UK Climate Change Bill was introduced to the House of Lords on 14 November 2007. The Bill contains provisions which fall within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament and which therefore require the Scottish Parliament to consent to their being considered by the UK Parliament. The Scottish Government has lodged a Legislative Consent Memorandum (LCM) for scrutiny by the Parliament. This briefing outlines the background to the Bill, and considers which aspects have implications for Scotland. This Briefing is not intended to reproduce the information available in the Legislative Consent Memorandum.

SB 07-62 Education and Lifelong Learning Spending Review 2007 (173 KB pdf)

This briefing gives an overview of the budget for Education and Lifelong Learning as published within the Scottish Budget Spending Review on 14 November 2007. It shows how the structure of the budget differs from that issued previously, and highlights the main changes from last year. It outlines the COSLA and Scottish Government concordat as it applies to education, and sets out the main changes in the budget in this area over the spending review period

SB 07-61 Key Economic Indicators (154 KB pdf)

This quarterly briefing provides a selection of indicators on different aspects of the Scottish economy.

SB 07-60 Spending Review 2007: Local Government and Communities (222 KB pdf)

This paper provides an overview of the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget for 2008-09 following the Spending Review and considers the budget settlement as it impacts upon the remit of the Local Government and Communities Committee.

SB 07-59 Waste Management in Scotland. Towards Zero Waste? (222 KB pdf)

This briefing provides an introduction to waste management policy in Europe and Scotland.  It then considers some of the policy options available to the Scottish Government and local authorities within the context of moving towards a zero waste society.

SB 07-58 Spending Review 2007 (287 KB pdf)

This briefing summarises broad trends in the Scottish Government Budget Spending Review 2007.

SB 07-57 Glasgow Commonwealth Games Bill (144 KB pdf)

This paper considers the proposals contained in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Bill (SP Bill 04) within the context of the consultation responses received on the draft consultation version of the Bill and on the proposals for financing the Games. This paper does not offer a comprehensive overview of the Bill but rather highlights the main issues contained within it and those which were raised during the consultation process.

SB 07-56 Ferry Services in Scotland (750 KB pdf)

Ferries provide a physical link between remote mainland and island communities and major population centres. Scotland’s ferries play a particularly important role in the social and economic life of the Western and Northern Isles and the island and peninsula communities on the River Clyde. This briefing looks at who provides these services and how they are funded.  It examines how EU legislation has affected the provision of ferry services and provides up to date statistics on ferry usage.

SB 07-55 Supporting People (Updated) (125 KB pdf)

“Supporting People” is the policy and funding framework for housing related support services. Introduced in 2003, it aims to assists vulnerable people over the age of 16 to move into, or remain in, their own homes. This briefing outlines the key features of the programme and considers the impact it has made. This briefing updates SPICe Briefing SB 04-28 Supporting People.

SB 07-54 Graduate Endowment Abolition (Scotland) Bill (171KB pdf)

This briefing explains the provisions within the Graduate Endowment Abolition (Scotland) Bill and examines the policy and financial implications of abolishing the Graduate Endowment (GE) fee. It considers the Scottish Government’s consultation process, and summarises the consultation responses. It also provides detailed figures on the numbers of graduates affected by the GE fee and the income derived from it since its introduction in the academic year 2001-02.

SB 07-53 School Discipline (226 KB pdf)

This briefing updates SPICe briefing 03/59 and outlines the main policy developments in dealing with disruptive behaviour in schools. It outlines the implementation of Better Behaviour Better Learning, considers statistics on school exclusions and highlights recommended approaches for improving school behaviour.

SB 07-52 Sea Fishing: Quotas for 2008 (117 KB pdf)

This briefing has been prepared for members of the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee. It highlights some of the important issues in advance of the autumn 2007 fisheries negotiations at which decisions on fishing quotas and days at sea will be made for 2008.

SB 07-51 Parliamentary Allowances and Pay (295 KB pdf)

Updated annual briefing on parliamentary pay and allowances to coincide with the release of Q4 expenditure figures. It updates SB 04/48, SB 05/81 and SB 07-09.

SB 07-50 Equal Opportunities Subject Profile (192KB pdf)
This subject profile provides an overview of Equal Opportunities at EU, UK and Scottish levels. Although Equal Opportunities is reserved to the UK Parliament, the Scottish Parliament can ‘encourage and promote’ equal opportunities. In recent years there have been a number of key changes to the UK’s equality machinery. These changes have followed on from the implementation of European Directives. The new Commission for Equality and Human Rights will be established in October 2007. The Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission will all be dissolved.

SB 07-49 Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill (133 KB pdf)
The Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill seeks to remove the power to demand tolls charged to users of the Forth Road Bridge and Tay Road Bridge.  This briefing describes the ownership and management of the two bridges and explains the operation of the current tolling systems.  It also provides details on annual toll income, results of the Scottish Government commissioned Toll Impact Study and outstanding debt on the Tay Road Bridge.  Finally, it explains the provisions in the Bill plus associated costs and highlights views expressed by key stakeholders on these proposals

SB 07-48 Flooding (141 KB pdf)

This briefing provides an introduction to flooding. It contains information on recent flooding incidents in Scotland; future risks and the implications of climate change; flood prevention and other relevant legislation; responsibilities for flooding and flooding policy; and flood insurance.

SB 07-47 Key Economic Indicators (191 KB pdf)

This quarterly briefing provides a selection of indicators on different aspects of the Scottish economy.

SB 07-46 Local Food and Food Policy (166 KB pdf)

Local food and food policy are distinct, but related policy areas.  This briefing gives an introduction to the food supply chain, local food, and associated issues.  It then sets out current Scottish Executive food policies, including for local food.

SB 07-45 Lifelong Learning: Higher Education (396 KB pdf)

This briefing provides a general introduction to lifelong learning in Scotland and focuses specifically on higher education. It presents key statistics for the sector, information on the funding of Scotland’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the financial support available for higher education students. It also looks at recent developments and key issues facing the Higher Education sector.

SB 07-44 Averting 'Dangerous' Climate Change? - Science and Policy Update (245 KB pdf)

Increasingly, reference is being made that it is crucial to “avert dangerous climate change” (Defra 2006). This SPICe Briefing is written to update the science and policy aspects of SPICe Briefing 05/04 Climate Change (Cook 2005). It examines developments at global, European, United Kingdom, Scottish and local levels, and introduces some low carbon success stories. 

SB 07-43 Lifelong Learning: Further Education (349 KB pdf)

This briefing provides a general introduction to lifelong learning in Scotland and focuses specifically on further education. It presents key statistics for the sector, information on the funding of Scotland’s colleges and the financial support available for further education students. It also looks at recent developments and key issues facing the Further Education sector.

SB 07-42 Police Strength (363 KB pdf)

This briefing provides statistical information about police officers and civilian support staff in: (a) the eight Scottish police forces; and (b) police forces in a selection of other European countries.

SB 07-41 Personal Carbon Allowances (209 KB pdf)

This SPICe Briefing introduces the theory of personal carbon allowances. This is a concept whereby individuals are given an allocation of carbon dioxide which they are entitled to emit as a result of their lifestyle.

SB 07-40 Children's Services (334 KB pdf)

This briefing provides an overview of children's services looking at some key statistics, the leigslative framework, main types of services provided and structures for integrated working.

SB 07-39 Mental Health Services in Scotland (178 KB pdf)

This briefing provides background information on the statutory framework underpinning mental health in Scotland.  It goes on to outline the main policy developments that have taken place since devolution.  This is followed by a discussion of the organisation of mental health services, including data on a range of services and workforce statistics.  Finally, the briefing considers the funding of mental health services.

SB 07-38 EU Justice and Home Affairs Policy (285 KB pdf)

This briefing provides an overview of EU co-operation in the policy area of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) and updates earlier SPICe briefings in 2002 and 2003. It describes the various EU institutions and processes involved in JHA policy-making and identifies current and future priorities in JHA.

SB 07-37 Legal Aid in Scotland (270 KB pdf)

This briefing provides an overview of the system of legal aid in Scotland. It considers: the wider policy context; the legislative framework of the legal aid system and the role of the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB); the different types of legal aid which are available; recent trends in expenditure on legal aid; and the main developments in this policy area, designed to further aims including the potentially competing aims of controlling costs and improving access to justice.

SB 07-36 Rejected Ballot Papers (1.9 MB pdf)

This paper summarises what constituted a ‘rejected ballot paper’ at the elections in May and then details the level of rejected ballot papers at the 2007 Scottish Parliament election and also at the local government elections held on the same day.

SB 07-35 Energy - Subject Profile (712 KB pdf)

This SPICe Subject Profile provides an introduction to the energy sector in Scotland, with relevant UK, European and Global context. It covers aspects of energy efficiency and energy for transport, electricity and direct use.

SB 07-34 Tourism in Scotland - Subject Profile (107 KB pdf)

This subject profile provides information on the legislative framework for promoting tourism in Scotland, describes the main organisations involved in supporting tourism, provides statistical information, summarises Executive policies and lists the main concerns relating to tourism in Scotland.

SM SP 07-05 Economic Development - Subject Profile (128 KB pdf)

This briefing describes the legislative framework governing economic development in Scotland, provides figures for key indicators, lists the key stakeholders, describes current European, UK and Scottish government policies, sets out figures for funding and summarises some of the concerns expressed by stakeholders relating to economic development.

SB 07-33 Guide to the Scottish Budget - Subject Profile (208 KB pdf)

This briefing is intended to assist new Members and others in understanding the principles and processes underpinning the Scottish Budget. The briefing explains some of the basic elements of public finance and describes the process of parliamentary scrutiny. It also summarises the historical developments that led to the current process and provides a one-page summary of a “standard year” of budget scrutiny.

This briefing updates SPICe briefing 03/24.

SB 07-32 The National Health Service in Scotland (196 KB pdf)

This briefing provides an overview of the National Health Service in Scotland, and covers the following: a history of recent policy reforms; structural organisation of the NHS in Scotland; public health & levels of health care provision; governance and accountability; standards of care - regulation, inspection, complaints and enforcement; financing of the NHS in Scotland; policy divergence in the UK.

SB 07-31 Local Government - Subject Profile (139 KB pdf)

This subject profile provides an introduction to local government. It describes the legislative and administrative framework, and provides an overview to the issue of local government finance. It summarises recent policy developments and initiatives and discusses some of the key issues arising.

SB 07-30 Public Finance: A Glossary of Terms (162 KB pdf)

This briefing has been produced for new members of the Finance Committee, and MSPs generally wishing to familiarise themselves with commonly used public finance terminology. It outlines the main terminology and acronyms used to describe public finance in Scotland. It is divided into sections covering general terms, local government expenditure and European funding. It also includes a list of abbreviations.

SM DA 07-06 The Scottish Civil Court System (235 KB pdf)

This Subject Map provides an overview of the civil court system in Scotland. In particular it: provides an introduction to the civil justice system in Scotland (of which the civil courts form an important part); explains key terminology associated with the civil courts; outlines the structure of the civil court system; discusses recent policy developments associated with the civil courts and the wider civil justice system.

SB 07-29 Community Care in Scotland (323 KB pdf)

This briefing provides background information on the statutory framework underpinning community care, general community care policy developments, specific policy developments for particular client groups and the organisation and funding of community care services.

SB 07-28 Key Economic Indicators (225 KB pdf)

This quarterly briefing provides a selection of indicators on different aspects of the Scottish economy.

SB 07-27 Environment - Subject Profile (300 KB pdf)

This briefing introduces the key environmental issues in Scotland, including climate change, radioactive waste, protected sites & species, water environment and industry, and strategic environmental assessment. More detailed SPICe briefings are already available or will be published in the future. 

SB 07-26 Private Sector Housing - Subject Profile (125 KB pdf)

This subject profile provides an introduction to private sector housing in Scotland. It describes the legislative framework, and summarises recent policy developments and key issues arising. (Throughout, this briefing refers to the policy of the previous Scottish Executive. )

SB 07-25 International Polar Year 2007-2009 (401 KB pdf)

International Polar Year runs from March 2007 to March 2009 and includes a wide-ranging scientific programme focused on the Arctic and the Antarctic. This briefing introduces the Year, gives some background on the Arctic and the Antarctic, and briefly describes British interests in Antarctica.

SM SP 07-04 The European Union - The Budget (121 KB pdf)

This subject map provides details of the way in which the European Union budget is agreed.

SM SP 07-03 The European Union - The Legislative Process (462 KB pdf)

This subject map provides a brief introduction to the European Union's legislative process. It looks at the different forms of legislation available to the EU and the way in which that legislation is agreed at EU level.

SM SP 07-02 The European Union - The Institutions (98 KB pdf)

This subject map provides information on the five institutions of the European Union. The institutions manage the way in which decisions are made.

SM SP 07-01 The European Union - A Brief History (84 KB pdf)

This subject map provides a brief history of the European Union from its development after the Second World War through to the recent debate about the EU Constitution.

SB 07-24 Biodiversity (190 KB pdf)

This briefing provides an introduction to biodiversity.  It explores what biodiversity means in practice, and the framework for protecting it.  It then provides a short case study on the role of the bumblebee in conserving biodiversity. Scottish Biodiversity Week commences on 19 May 2007.

SB 07-23 Transport in Scotland Subject Profile (232 KB pdf)

This subject profile provides an introduction to road, rail, air, bus, waterborne and freight transport in Scotland. It describes the legislative and administrative frameworks governing these modes of transport and identifies key agencies and organisations for each. It also summarises recent policy developments for each type of transport and identifies some key issues which are currently under debate. Further, more detailed, briefings on specific issues in transport policy will be produced throughout the parliamentary session.

SB 07-22 Rural Affairs and Fisheries: Subject Profile (pdf 165kb)

This briefing is written for the benefit of both new MSPs and those returning to the Parliament. More detailed briefings on rural affairs topics will be produced throughout the parliamentary session. It provides an overview of the main issues within the rural affairs portfolio. It highlights the main legislation and policy developments in previous Parliamentary sessions, and potential future developments.

SM DA 07-05 The Scottish Criminal Justice System: The Prison Service (pdf  144kb)

This subject map is one of six covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It provides a brief description of the operation of the prison service in Scotland and provides information on the system of early release for prisoners.

SB 07-21 Election 2007 (2.3 MB pdf)

This briefing provides an analysis of the 2007 Scottish Parliament election.  In particular it covers the Scottish Parliament electoral system, the election campaign, electoral behaviour and the polls, turnout, spoilt ballots, the impact of the result upon the political parties, the regional vote and the new composition of the Parliament.

SB 07-20 House Prices (Updated) (pdf 131kb)

This briefing provides an overview of key house prices statistics. An overview of trends in house prices at a UK and Scotland level is given. Trends at a regional level are also considered, as are issues of affordability, particularly for first time buyers. This briefing updates SB 06-76 published on 17 October 2006.

SB 07-19 Town and Country Planning - Subject Profile (pdf 72kb)

This briefing provides a brief introduction to the Scottish planning system and the changes introduced by the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006.

SB 07-18 The School Curriculum - Proposals for Change (pdf 143kb)

This briefing provides an overview of the school curriculum in Scotland and details of the on-going review of the curriculum.

(This briefing has been updated by SB 08-08 posted 19 February 2008)

SM DA 07-04 The Scottish Criminal Justice System: The Criminal Courts (pdf 107kb)

This subject map is one of six covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It provides a brief description of the operation of the criminal courts in Scotland.

SM DA 07-03 The Scottish Criminal Justice System: The Public Prosecution System (pdf 101kb)

This subject map is one of six covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It provides a brief description of the operation of the public prosecution system in Scotland.

SM DA 07-02 The Scottish Criminal Justice System: The Police (pdf 137kb)

This subject map is one of six covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It outlines the organisation, administration and funding of the police service in Scotland. It also provides a description of the role and responsibilities of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland and outlines the police complaints system.

SM DA 07-01 The Scottish Criminal Justice System: Legal and Administrative Arrangements (pdf 95kb)

This subject map is one of six covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It looks at the basis of Scots criminal law, including consideration of devolved and reserved issues. It also outlines key administrative arrangements.

SB 07-17 The Size of the Public Sector (pdf 92kb)

Public expenditure, government consumption and the public sector comprise a larger share of the economy in Scotland than in the rest of the UK. This briefing explains these terms, provides Scottish data for each measure, shows how the data have changed over recent years, and provides comparisons with the whole of the UK.

SB 07-16 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) (pdf 115kb)

Following the finding of a wild swan infected with avian influenza (bird flu) in April 2006, and the case of the disease at a turkey farm in Sufffolk in February 2007, this briefing provides information on: the disease, recent cases around the world, disease control policy and legislation, the case in a wild swan in Scotland in April 2006, the outbreak at a turkey farm in Suffolk in February 2007, poultry farming in Scotland, avian influenza and public health, advice to the public in the event of an outbreak.

SB 07-12 Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Bill: Parliamentary Consideration Prior to Stage 3 (pdf 181kb)
This briefing summarises the legislative and non-legislative recommendations made by the Education Committee (2006) in its Stage 1 Report and describes the actions which have been taken in the run up to and during Stage 2 proceedings.

SB 07-11 Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill: Parliamentary Consideration Prior to Stage 3 (pdf 110kb)
This briefing summarises the legislative and non-legislative recommendations made by the Communities Committee in its Stage 1 report and the Executive’s response to the report.  It also summarises the key amendments passed at Stage 2 and considers the key areas of debate where no amendments were passed.

SB 07-10 Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland) Bill: Parliamentary Consideration Prior to Stage 3 (pdf 152kb)
This briefing is on the Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland Bill) (the Bill) and its progress to the completion of Stage 2. The Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland) Bill [as amended at Stage 2] has undergone some very significant changes from the Expert Group on Prostitution’s proposals and the Bill [as introduced].

SB 07-09 Parliamentary Pay and Allowances (pdf 275kb)
This briefing provides an outline of the system of parliamentary pay and allowances in the Scottish Parliament. It gives data on allowances expenditure for 2005-06 and parliamentary pay for 2006-07.  The Briefing provides comparative information on salaries in the UK Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the European Parliament. It also provides information on grants and pensions available to Members of the Scottish Parliament and officeholders and on the financial assistance available to certain political parties.

(This briefing has been updated by SB 07-51 posted 4 October 2007)

SB 07-08 Christmas Day and New Year's Day Trading (Scotland) Bill: Parliamentary Consideration Prior to Stage 3 (pdf 68kb)
Stage 3 proceedings on the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Trading (Scotland) Bill are expected to take place during February 2007. This briefing summarises the legislative and non-legislative recommendations made by the Justice 2 Committee in its Stage 1 Report It also summarises the amendments put forward at Stage 2.

SB 07-07 Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Bill: Parliamentary Consideration Prior to Stage 3 (pdf 216kb)
This briefing outlines the changes that have been made to the Bill since it was first introduced. These changes are the result of: recommendations made by the Health Committee at Stage 1 (and accepted by the Deputy Minister); and other amendments introduced at Stage 2 by Committee Members or the Deputy Minister. The briefing, which is presented in the form of a large table, also highlights commitments made by the Deputy Minister for Stage 3.

SB 07-06 Warm Deal and Central Heating Programmes (pdf 199kb)
The Warm Deal and Central Heating programmes provide funding for installation of efficient central heating systems, insulation and benefits advice. The purpose of this paper is to provide figures on number of installations and expenditure under the Central Heating and Warm Deal programmes. It contains an overview of the aims of these programmes and brief information on fuel poverty in Scotland.

SB 07-05 Cairngorms National Park Boundary Bill (pdf 973kb)
The Cairngorms National Park Boundary Bill [as introduced] Session 2 (2006) was introduced to the Parliament on 21 September 2006. This paper gives a brief explanation of the statutory process required to designate a National Park in Scotland.  In particular, it examines the designation of the Cairngorms National Park and summarises the debates that took place.  It then describes the provisions outlined in the Bill, and summarises the views of consultees.

SB 07-04 Hospital Car Park Charging (pdf 107kb)
This briefing has been written for the Member’s Debate on 25 January 2006, sponsored by Mike Pringle MSP, on fair car park charging at the proposed Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh (S2M-5414).

SB 07-03 The McCrone Agreement (pdf 155kb)
This briefing provides an overview of A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century, more commonly known as the “McCrone Agreement,” and evidence of how it is being implemented. The Agreement was phased in over a period from 2001 to August 2006.

SB 07-02 Transport and Works (Scotland) Bill: Parliamentary Consideration Prior to Stage 3 (pdf 103kb)
This briefing summarises the legislative and non-legislative recommendations made by the Local Government and Transport Committee in its Stage 1 Report and the Executive’s response to the Report. It also summarises the key amendments passed at Stage 2 and considers the main areas of debate where no amendments were passed.

SB 07-01 Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Bill: Parliamentary Consideration Prior to Stage 3 (pdf 157kb)
The briefing summarises the main recommendations made by the Justice 1 Committee in its Stage 1 Report, as well as the Scottish Executive's response to that report. It also summarises the key amendments passed at Stage 2 and considers the main areas of debate where no amendments were passed.